The STARLIGHT project aimed to increase job opportunities for young Europeans, mainly under 35 and some over 35 already active in the tourism sector. It focused on promoting dark skies observation as a competitive asset for sustainable and experiential tourism, responding to the decline of mass tourism. The project provided new skills, knowledge, and training for both young professionals and experienced operators, with a program including courses, webinars, hackathons, and the creation of tourist experiences. STARLIGHT engaged 59 participants from 6 European countries (Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Austria, and Germany) in activities on astronomy, biodiversity, and light pollution. The partners designed a work-based training methodology focusing on accessible and sustainable tourism, digital marketing, and business planning. The project addressed the needs of SMEs in the tourism sector, creating innovative job opportunities for participants
The consortium applied for the STARLIGHT project to address key challenges in the tourism sector, skills development, and environmental sustainability. Despite being the world's leading tourism destination, Europe faces increasing competition and the need for constant innovation. Sustainable, attractive tourism products must be developed to benefit local communities and the environment. Another critical issue is the skills gap in the tourism workforce. Employers report a shortage of professionals with the necessary competencies, particularly for higher-skilled roles. Many graduates lack practical experience, making it difficult for businesses to find "work-ready" employees. STARLIGHT aimed to bridge this gap by equipping professionals with the skills needed to develop innovative tourism offers. Additionally, the project addressed light pollution, an often-overlooked environmental problem that disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity. By raising awareness and integrating scientific knowledge on light pollution into tourism strategies, STARLIGHT contributed to sustainable tourism development and new experiential tourism models.